Case and mount system for handheld electronic device

ABSTRACT

A protective case for a handheld electronic device is provided. The protective case can include a removable mounting system comprised of an interlocking member and a plurality of mounting bases. The protective case may further include a non-slip member to prevent the device from slipping on a surface and a magnet for attaching the device to a magnetic surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/593,220, entitled “CASE AND MOUNT SYSTEM FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONICDEVICE,” filed Aug. 23, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/585,933, entitled “PHONE CASE ANDMOUNT SYSTEM,” filed Jan. 12, 2012, and 61/653,618, entitled “CASE MOUNTSYSTEM FOR HANDHELD ELECTRONIC DEVICE,” filed May 31, 2012.

This application hereby incorporates by reference the above-identifiedapplications in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to protective cases for handheldelectronic devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Handheld and/or portable electronic devices (e.g., digital mediaplayers, phones, smartphones, tablet computers, handheld readers, andsimilar devices) are becoming important and common tools. These toolsare constantly in use, both at home and on the go.

However, with this frequency and variety of use comes the problem ofproper protection. Without proper protection, a device may becomedamaged due to being dropped or by falling from an unsecured position.This damage may be permanent and cause loss of data or information andhigh replacement costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least one embodiment, the present application relates to aprotective system for a handheld electronic device that overcomes theshortcomings of the prior art noted above.

In some embodiments, a protective system for a handheld electronicdevice is disclosed. The protection system comprises a shell comprisedof a rear wall, a plurality of wall surfaces arranged to enclose aplurality of peripheral edges of a handheld electronic device, and anouter surface. The rear wall further defines an attachment regiondesigned to receive an interlocking member and a non-slip regiondesigned to receive a non-slip member. The attachment region comprises afirst open space, an inner interlocking surface and an outerinterlocking surface, both the interlocking surfaces surrounding thefirst open space, the inner interlocking surface being located above theplane of the outer surface of the rear wall and wherein the inner andouter interlocking surfaces are radially offset to provide aninterlocking area. The interlocking member comprises a plate having aplurality of engaging members generally located at right angles, theengaging members being configured to interact with the inner and outerinterlocking surfaces such that in an interlocked position each of theengaging members is disposed within the interlocking area. Theinterlocking member further comprises at least one mounting base. Thenon-slip region comprises a second open space and a recessed surfaceformed by the disposition of a small diameter opening within a largerdiameter opening. The non-slip member comprises a non-slip materialshaped to fit within the second open space, the non-slip member having acircumferential groove dividing the non-slip member into a grippingsurface and an interior surface, the interior surface having a greaterdiameter than the gripping surface, the groove in the non-slip memberengaging with the recessed surface to attach the non-slip member to theshell. The non-slip member further comprises an indentation on theinterior surface designed to incorporate a magnet.

1. An embodiment involves a protection system for a handheld electronicdevice, including a shell comprising a rear wall and a side wallextending from the rear wall, wherein, in use, the side wall encloses aplurality of peripheral edges of an associated handheld electronicdevice. The rear wall further comprises an inner surface and an outersurface. The rear wall defines an attachment region designed to receivean interlocking member and a non-slip region designed to receive anon-slip member. The attachment region comprises a first open space, afirst interlocking surface and a second interlocking surface. Both ofthe first and second interlocking surfaces surrounding at least aportion of the first open space. The first and second interlockingsurfaces are located behind the inner surface of the rear wall with thefirst interlocking surface being located substantially in a first planeand the second interlocking surface having at least a portion thatextends substantially perpendicular to the first plane. The firstinterlocking surface is circumferentially offset from at least a portionof the second interlocking surface to provide an interlocking area. Theinterlocking member comprises a plate portion having at least oneengagement member that, in use, is passed through the first open spaceand disposed within the interlocking area to achieve an interlockedposition between the interlocking member and the shell. The interlockingmember further comprises at least one mounting base. The non-slip regioncomprises a second open space and a recessed surface formed by thedisposition of a smaller opening within a larger opening. The non-slipmember comprises a non-slip material shaped to fit within the secondopen space. The non-slip member has a peripheral groove that, in use,engages the recessed surface to attach the non-slip member to the shell.The non-slip member further comprises an indentation within an interiorsurface that, in use, faces the associated handheld electronic device. Amagnet is received within the indentation of the non-slip member.

2. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the shell further comprises atleast one access opening that allows access to control features of thehandheld electronic device.

3. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the non-slip member is disposedoutwardly of the outermost portion of the outer surface of the rear wallof the shell.

4. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the mounting base furthercomprises an adhesive layer that, in use, attaches to a mounting surfacevia adhesion.

5. The system of paragraph 1, wherein the interlocked position isachieved by rotation of the interlocking member within the attachmentregion.

6. An embodiment involves a protection system for a handheld electronicdevice, including a shell comprising a rear wall and a side wallextending from the rear wall, wherein, in use, the side wall encloses aplurality of peripheral edges of an associated handheld electronicdevice. The rear wall further comprises an inner surface and an outersurface. The rear wall defines an attachment region designed to receivean interlocking member and a non-slip region designed to receive anon-slip member. The attachment region comprises a first open space anda plurality of interlocking surface portions, and each of theinterlocking surface portions including a retaining surface and a stopsurface that cooperate to provide an interlocking area. The interlockingmember comprises a plurality of engaging members, each of which areconfigured to interact with one of the plurality of interlocking surfaceportions such that, in an interlocked position, each of the plurality ofengaging members is disposed within one of the plurality of interlockingareas. The non-slip region comprises a second open space and a recessedsurface formed by the disposition of a smaller opening within a largeropening. The non-slip member comprises a non-slip material shaped to fitwithin the second open space, the non-slip member having a peripheralgroove that, in use, engages the recessed surface to attach the non-slipmember to the shell.

7. The system of paragraph 6, wherein the shell further comprises atleast one access opening that allows access to control features of ahandheld electronic device.

8. The system of paragraph 6, further comprising a magnet disposedwithin the non-slip member.

9. The system of paragraph 6, further comprising at least one mountingbase attached to the interlocking member.

10. The system of paragraph 9, wherein the mounting base comprises anadhesive layer that allows the mounting base to be affixed to a surfacethrough adhesion.

11. An embodiment involves a protection system for a handheld electronicdevice, which includes a shell comprising a rear wall and a side wallextending in a first direction from the rear wall, wherein, in use, theside wall encloses a plurality of peripheral edges of an associatedhandheld electronic device. The rear wall comprises a first surfacefacing in the first direction and a second surface facing in a seconddirection opposite the first direction. The rear wall comprises anopening extending through the second surface. The opening defines atleast one shell interlock surface. The system also includes a mounthaving at least one mount interlock surface, wherein, in use, a portionof the mount is passed through the opening of the shell and the at leastone shell interlock surface is engaged with the at least one mountinterlock surface to selectively couple the shell to the mount.

12. The protection system of paragraph 11, wherein the mount comprisesan adhesive layer that permits the mount to be secured to a surface viaadhesion.

13. The protection system of paragraph 11, wherein the mount is a bikemount that, in use, is mounted to a component of a bicycle.

14. The protection system of paragraph 13, wherein the bike mountcomprises a cap portion that, in use, is secured to a steerer tube ofthe bicycle.

15. The protection system of paragraph 14, further comprising an armportion that extends between the cap portion and the at least one mountinterlock surface, wherein the arm portion is rotatably adjustablerelative to the cap portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will now be described in connection with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, in reference to the accompanyingdrawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples andare not intended to limit the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of protectivesystem for a handheld electronic device according to a preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the interior rear surface of a shell of theprotective system;

FIG. 3 is a view of the exterior rear surface of a shell of theprotective system;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a shell of the protective system;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a lower shell of the protective system;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a shell of the protective system anda mounting member;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a shell of the protective system anda non-slip member;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a non-slip member;

FIG. 8B is a second perspective view of a non-slip member;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of an exploded assembly of a non-slipmember containing a rare-earth magnet and a magnet cover piece;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a first side of an interlocking member;

FIG. 9B is a second perspective view of a second side of theinterlocking member;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of a mounting base; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an assembled mounting member.

FIG. 11 is perspective view of the protective system secured to abicycle mount.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is directed to certain specificembodiments of the invention. However, the invention may be embodied ina multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims.

Embodiments of the invention can provide the features of a protectionsystem for a portable or handheld electronic device (hereinafter“handheld electronic device”). Some embodiments of the inventiondesirably may incorporate an attachment region for attaching a removablemounting member preferably able to support the handheld electronicdevice within the protection system and affix to a variety of surfaces.Other embodiments of the invention may also incorporate an anti-slipsurface wherein a magnet is disposed for attachment of the device tomagnetic surfaces and slip prevention.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a shell forrigidly securing and protecting a handheld electronic device. In apreferred embodiment, the shell may be in multiple pieces for ease ofassembly around a handheld electronic device. The upper piece of theshell preferably provides an attachment region for a removable mountingmember that can attach to various solid surfaces, such as but notlimited to a desk, vehicle dashboard, mirror, etc. The shell preferablyalso incorporates an anti-slip insert in which a magnet is disposed,allowing for magnetic adherence to surfaces without interfering with theanti-slip benefit provided by the anti-slip insert. The shell preferablyis formed using a material that is generally rigid and lightweight, suchas but not limited to an injection molded polycarbonate or othersuitable plastic material(s). Preferably, the shell comprises rigidsidewalls that surround an entirety or portions of the peripheral edgesof the device. The sidewalls preferably are arranged to protect thedevice by absorbing incidental shock forces and/or inhibiting orpreventing direct contact between the device and another object. Thesidewalls also desirably contain various openings to allow access to thecontrol buttons, inputs, and outputs of the handheld electronic device.The rear surface of the shell is preferably further designed withvarious openings to allow additional access to features of the handheldelectronic device that may be located on the rear of the device (such asa camera) or to reduce the weight of the shell.

FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment having certain features, aspectsand advantages of the present invention. In FIG. 1, protection system100 may include more, fewer or different components than those shown.Protection system 100 includes a body or shell that, in the illustratedarrangement, is comprised of an upper shell piece 102 and lower shellpiece 104. Protection system 100 is shown in two pieces to facilitateinstallation of the protection system 100 on a handheld electronicdevice. Lower shell piece 104 is designed, in one embodiment, to fittogether with upper shell piece 102 preferably using an interlocking ortab/slot attachment. However, in other arrangements, the upper shellpiece 102 and lower shell piece 104 could be secured together with otherarrangements (e.g., mechanical fasteners, such as screws) or could beportions of a unitary or single-piece shell in which installation of theelectronic device is accomplished through another method, such as bydeformation of the side walls or other portions of the shell to passover the electronic device. Thus, references to the upper shell piece102 or lower shell piece 104 herein are also intended to refer to theentire shell of an integrated or unitary shell arrangement.

Upper shell piece 102 preferably includes an attachment region 106 forattaching mounting member 108. The attachment region 106 contains anengagement structure that allows the upper shell piece 102 and, thus,the protection system 100 to be releasably attached the mounting member108. A preferred engagement structure is described in greater detailbelow. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 9A-C, mounting member 108 may becomprised of an interlocking member 902 and at least one mounting base904. As described further below and shown in FIG. 6, the mounting member108 can also include one or more optional spacers, which could besimilar or identical to the mounting base 904. Upper shell piece 102also preferably includes a non-slip region 110, which includes anon-slip arrangement that enhances frictional engagement of protectionsystem 100 with a surface on which the protection system 100 may beplaced. In the illustrated arrangement, the non-slip region 110incorporates an opening or cavity in the protection system 100 (e.g.,the upper shell piece 102) into which non-slip member 112 may beinserted. As depicted more clearly in FIG. 8C, non-slip member 112 mayalso preferably comprise a rare earth magnet 802 in order to removablyattach the handheld electronic device contained within protection system100 to a magnetic surface.

FIG. 1 further depicts a preferred embodiment of the invention furthercomprising a lanyard 140, which may attach to protection system 100 tofacilitate easy carrying and transport of a handheld electronic device.For example, the lanyard 140 can be looped through openings 142 and 144on the upper shell piece 102 and lower shell piece 104, respectively.Additional accessories, not shown in FIG. 1, may be used with protectionsystem 100. For example, one accessory that may be used with protectionsystem 100 includes a bike mount, one embodiment of which is shown inFIG. 11. Another accessory that may be used with protection system 100includes a tripod (not shown), which can support the protection system100 and associated electronic device in a suitable position (e.g.,portrait or landscape) preferably at an elevated position relative to asurface on which the tripod rest to take photographs or video. Theaccessory can be coupled to the protection system 100 via aninterlocking arrangement the same as or similar to the mounting member108 or via other suitable arrangements, such as the same as or similarto the lanyard 140 arrangement. In addition to the lanyard 140, bikemount and tripod, other types of accessories can also be provided, suchas adjustable or non-adjustable stands, mounting or securing cliparrangements, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the assembled upper shell piece 102 and lowershell piece 104 of the protection system 100 together define an interiorregion or space in which a handheld electronic device may be enclosed.Each of the upper shell piece 102 and the lower shell piece 104 has arear wall portion 200 that defines an interior rear surface 202positioned adjacent the back surface of an electronic device placed inthe protection system 100. The upper shell piece 102 and the lower shellpiece 104 also include at least one or a plurality of enclosing edges tosurround the sides of a handheld electronic device and provideprotection for the handheld electronic device. In the illustratedarrangement, the enclosing edges are defined by a sidewall portion 150that extends from the rear wall portion 200. The illustrated sidewallportion 150 extends along an entire periphery of the rear wall portion200. As described above, however, the sidewall portion 150 is notnecessarily solid or continuous, but can include one or more openingsconfigured to allow access to controls or other components or featuresof the handheld electronic device, or simply to reduce weight. Inalternative arrangements, the sidewall portion 150 can be constructed ofone or several distinct sidewall portions, such as four corner portions,for example. A forward wall portion is spaced from the rear wall portion200 by the sidewall portion 150. The forward wall portion defines aforward interior surface that is positioned adjacent a forward surfaceof the handheld electronic device placed in the protection system 100.In the illustrated arrangement, the forward wall portion is defined by alip 152 that extends in an inward direction from the sidewall portion150. Preferably, the lip 152 extends around the entire periphery of therear wall portion 200. However, in other arrangements, the lip 152 canextend only around a portion of the periphery, which can be the sameportion or a different portion than the portion surrounded by thesidewall portion 150. As discussed above, the upper shell piece 102 andlower shell piece 104 can be unitarily-formed. Accordingly, the sidewallportion 150 and/or lip 152 could be unitary, as well.

As more clearly illustrated in FIG. 2, upper shell piece 102 alsopreferably includes an attachment region 106. The illustrated attachmentregion 106 defines an opening 160 in the interior rear surface 202 ofupper shell piece 102. As described above, attachment region 106 isconfigured to allow attachment of mounting member 108 through aninterlocking attachment that selectively secures the shell 102 to themounting member 108 an inhibits or prevents removal in at least onedirection. As pictured, attachment region 106 comprises at least one tab162, each of which preferably defines two interlocking surfaces, 116 and126. In the illustrated arrangement, the attachment region 106 includesfour tabs 162; however, other numbers of tabs 162 could also beprovided, such as two, three, five, six or more tabs 162. Interlockingsurface 116 is disposed towards the interior rear surface 202 of uppershell piece 102, while interlocking surface 126 is disposed within adifferent plane than that defined by interlocking surface 116.Preferably, the interlocking surface 116 is perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular to the interlocking surface 126. Preferably,the interlocking surface 116 is perpendicular or substantiallyperpendicular to the interior rear surface 202. The plane ofinterlocking surface 126 preferably is offset or disposed “below” theplane defined by the interior rear surface 202 or towards the outer rearsurface of upper shell piece 102. In addition, preferably, theinterlocking surface 116 is offset from at least a portion of theinterlocking surface 126 in a circumferential direction to provide aspace 164 in which a portion (e.g., tab 912) of the interlocking member902 may be inserted. The opening 160 preferably also includes at leastone access space 166 located beside or circumferentially offset from theat least one tab 162. Preferably, the number of access spaces 166corresponds to the number of tabs 162. In the illustrated arrangement,four access spaces 166 are provided; however, the number of accessspaces 166 can vary in the same manner as the number of tabs 162. Eachof the tabs 912 of the interlocking member 902 can be inserted throughone of the access spaces 166 and then turned to enter the space 164 andrest against the interlocking surfaces 116 and 126 to form an attachmentwith upper shell piece 102. Preferably, the access opening 166 islocated on an opposite side of the interlocking surface 126 from theinterlocking surface 116. In the illustrated arrangement, acircumferential dimension of the access opening 166 is smaller than acircumferential dimension of the tab 162 and can be approximatelyone-half of the circumferential dimension of the tab 162. Thecircumferential dimension of the space 164 is less than thecircumferential dimension of the tab 162 and can be approximatelyone-half of the circumferential dimension of the tab 162. In theillustrated arrangement, the interlocking surface 116 is defined by arib 168 that extends at least partially, and preferably entirely, aroundthe opening 160. Preferably, the opening 160 passes completely throughthe upper shell piece 102 such that the surface of the associatedelectronic device is exposed through the opening 160. Such anarrangement advantageously minimizes the overall thickness of theprotection system 100, while still providing the desired interlockingmount functionality. In an alternative arrangement, however, a rear wallportion can be provided to define a closed internal end of the opening160, such that the rear wall portion is positioned in between theinterlocking mount and the associated electronic device. Such anarrangement may increase the overall thickness of the protection system100, but can also provide increased protection to the associatedelectronic device.

The interior rear surface 202 preferably also includes a non-slip region110 within which a non-slip arrangement can be provided. For example, anon-slip member 112 may be inserted within the non-slip region 110 ofthe protective device 100. As shown, non-slip region 110 is comprised ofa smaller opening 120 disposed within a larger opening 130. In theillustrated arrangement, the smaller opening 120 extends completelythrough the rear wall portion 200 and the larger opening 130 extendspartially through the rear wall portion 200 from the interior rearsurface 202. The recessed surface formed by the disposition of smalleropening 120 within larger opening 130 forms an interference surface toretain non-slip member 112 within the non-slip region 110. FIG. 2 showsone orientation of attachment region 106 and non-slip region 110, thoughother embodiments may include different orientations. A number ofadditional open spaces (generally 170) may be provided in the interiorrear surface 202 of upper shell piece 102 for any of a number ofreasons, including providing access to rear-mounted features of ahandheld electronic device such as a camera, microphone, or speaker, orto reduce the weight of the protection system 100. Upper shell piece 102may further comprise one or more of recesses 204 configured toaccommodate one or more tabs 206 to facilitate attachment and retentionof lower shell piece 104 to upper shell piece 102 to provide furtherprotection for a handheld electronic device. In the illustratedarrangement, a pair of recesses 204 are located on the rear wall portion200 of the upper shell piece 102 and a pair of tabs 206 are located onthe rear wall portion 200 of the lower shell piece 104. However, inother arrangements, the recesses 204 and tabs 206 could be locatedelsewhere (e.g., sidewall 150 or front wall/lip 152) and/or could beprovided in different numbers. In addition, the arrangement could bereversed such that the tabs 206 are provided on the upper shell piece102 and the recesses 204 are provided on the lower shell piece 104.

One embodiment of the exterior rear surface 302 of upper shell piece 102is pictured in FIG. 3. The attachment region 106 as viewed from the rearof upper shell piece 102 is preferably disposed above or outwardly ofthe plane defined by at least a portion of the exterior rear surface302, which can be a peripheral portion. In a preferred embodiment, theattachment region 106 has an opening 160 defined by a plurality ofequally spaced radial lobes or tabs 162 designed to correspond with thetabs 912 of an interlocking member 902, more clearly viewed in FIGS. 9Aand 9B. Mounting member 108 attaches to the exterior rear surface 302side of the rear wall portion 200 of the upper shell piece 102 ofprotection system 100 preferably via an interlocking attachment. Onceinserted, the tabs 912 of the interlocking member 902 may then rotateuntil further rotation is prevented by the interlocking surface 116, asseen in FIG. 2. After rotation, the tabs of interlocking member 902 willpreferably be located adjacent to the interior side of interlockingsurface 126 and against the edge of interlocking surface 116, forming aninterlocking connection which preferably attaches mounting member 108 tothe upper shell piece 102 of protection system 100.

Preferably, non-slip region 110 will also be disposed above the planedefined by exterior rear surface 302, as seen in FIG. 3. In theillustrated arrangement, when inserted, the non-slip member 112 willprotrude outwardly as far as or further than any other rearward surfaceportion of the protection system 100 such that the non-slip member 112will contact a surface upon which the protection system 100 is placed(assuming the surface is relatively flat or otherwise appropriatelyshaped) to accomplish a non-slip function. Therefore, when non-slipmember 112 is disposed within non-slip region 110, the non-slip surfacewill extend beyond at least the plane of exterior rear surface 302 togrip a surface and provide a non-slip feature.

A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of upper shell piece 102 ispictured in FIG. 4. In this view, the different surfaces of attachmentregion 106 are more clearly visible. As described above with respect toFIG. 2, interlocking surface 116 is disposed towards the interior rearsurface 202 of upper shell piece 102 relative to the interlockingsurface 126, while interlocking surface 126 is disposed “below” theplane defined by interlocking surface 116, or towards the outer rearsurface of upper shell piece 102. As is more clearly seen in FIG. 4, theinterlocking surface 116 is circumferentially offset from the accessopening 166 to provide the space 164 in which an interlocking member 902may be inserted and then turned to form an attachment with upper shellpiece 102. The rotation of the interlocking member 902 within attachmentregion 106 forms an interlocking connection with the upper shell piece102. This interlocking connection is defined by the tabs 912 of theinterlocking member 902 passing without obstruction into the definedareas (e.g., access openings 166) of attachment region 106 and thenrotating against the interior surface of interlocking surface 126 untilthe tabs of interlocking member 902 are prevented from further rotationby encountering the interlocking surface 116. After rotation, theinterior-facing surfaces of the interlocking member 902 and theinterlocking surface 116 preferably will be substantially within thesame plane.

FIG. 4 also more clearly depicts a preferred embodiment of the non-slipregion 110 and openings 120 and 130. The smaller opening 120 is disposedwithin the larger opening 130. A small lip or ridge 180 is formed by theoverlap of the two openings because the larger opening 130 is disposedtowards the interior rear surface 202 of upper shell piece 102.Preferably, this lip or ridge 180 is disposed beneath the plane of theinterior rear surface 202. The flexible non-slip member 112, such asthat described in greater detail below with regard to FIGS. 8A-C, may bedisposed within the non-slip region 110. An interior portion of thenon-slip member 112 preferably has a greater diameter than the smalleropening 120 but also has a diameter sized to fit within larger opening130. When inserted into the non-slip region 110, the larger diameter ofthe interior surface prevents the non-slip member 112 from falling outof the non-slip region 110. The smaller diameter of opening 120 willsubstantially prevent the non-slip member 112 from falling out of thenon-slip region 110. The opening 120 defined by the non-slip region 110will therefore allow a portion of the non-slip member 112 to contact asurface. The inclusion of the non-slip member 112 into protection system100 provides non-slip properties and benefits to the protection system100, such as preventing a handheld electronic device within theprotection system from sliding off a smooth surface such as a desk orcounter. The non-slip member 112 can include a peripheral recess 182that is configured to receive the lip 180 to more securely hold thenon-slip member 112 within the opening 120.

Lower shell piece 104 is shown in FIG. 5. In a preferred embodiment,lower shell piece 104 comprises an interior surface and side surfacesthat surround the lower sides of a handheld electronic device to provideadditional protection. Lower shell piece 104 preferably joins with uppershell piece 102 to provide protection around the sides and back of ahandheld electronic device. The lower shell piece 104 can contain one ormore openings to allow access to controls and ports on the handheldelectronic device, such as a headphone jack or microphone jack.Furthermore, lower shell piece 104 also preferably contains an opening190 to allow access to the charging area and/or microphone and speakerson the handheld electronic device such that the handheld electronicdevice does not need to be removed from protection system 102 in orderto charge the device. FIG. 5 depicts only a preferred embodiment of theinvention and other openings not shown may be included.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of upper shell piece 102 and mountingmember 108. In this figure, mounting member 108 is affixed to uppershell piece 102 in a preferred embodiment. As shown in this figure, themounting member 108 is affixed to the rear surface of upper shell piece102 within attachment region 106. Mounting member 108 extends out fromthe rear surface 302 of upper shell piece 102 such that protectionsystem 100 may be mounted on a solid surface without being flush againstthe solid surface. The mounting member 108 depicted in the preferredembodiment is composed of two mounting pieces (e.g., mounting bases 904)joined together, along with an interlocking member 902. Mounting member108 may be composed of greater or fewer mounting pieces joined together,depending on how far a user desires to mount the handheld electronicdevice from a solid surface. The interlocking member 902 of the mountingmember 108 is joined to the interlocking member 902 preferably via ascrew 906, but other forms of attachment may be used. The mounting bases904 can be joined together by any suitable arrangement (e.g., snap-fitor mechanical fasteners) or the screw 906 could also hold the mountingbases 904 together in addition to securing the interlocking member 902to the mounting base(s). If desired, an optional adhesive layer 908 canbe provided on the rearward surface of the mounting member 108 to allowthe mounting member 108 to be adhesively coupled to a desired surface.

A cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of protection system100 containing non-slip member 112 is shown in FIG. 7. In the preferredembodiment shown, the non-slip surface of non-slip member 112 extends ina rearward direction at least as far and, preferably, beyond any otherportion of exterior rear surface 302 of upper shell piece 102 (and lowershell piece 104) in order to provide a gripping surface to prevent ahandheld electronic device from slipping on a solid surface. Thenon-slip member 112 also preferably contains a magnetic member, such asa rare-earth magnet 802, as further described below in regards to FIG.8C. The magnet 802 is positioned or embedded within non-slip member 112in order to provide a means of attaching protection system 100 to amagnetic surface without impacting the non-slip benefits provided bynon-slip member 112 or scratching the surface.

One preferred embodiment of a non-slip member 112 is shown in FIGS. 8A,8B, and 8C. The non-slip member 112 is composed of a gripping outersurface shown in FIG. 8B and an interior-facing surface, as shown inFIG. 8A. This figure depicts a generally round or cylindricalindentation 192 into which a rare-earth magnet or other magneticmaterial may be placed without interfering with the non-slip benefitsprovided by non-slip member 112.

FIG. 8B depicts the exterior-facing surface of non-slip member 112. Thisfigure more clearly illustrates the larger diameter of theinterior-facing surface of non-slip member 112 versus theexterior-facing surface. These surfaces are separated by the groove orrecess 182, which interacts with the smaller opening 120 in upper shellpiece 102, as discussed above with regard to FIG. 4. As discussed above,the larger diameter of the interior surface prevents the non-slip member112 from falling out of the non-slip region 110 because of interferencebetween the larger diameter of the interior surface of non-slip member112 and the smaller diameter of opening 120. The exterior surface ofnon-slip member 112 preferably has a ridged or roughened surfacefeatures in order to provide a better gripping surface and prevent theprotection system from slipping on a solid surface. The exterior surfacemay also comprise different logos or other surface textures as desired.

The inclusion of rare-earth magnet 802 into non-slip member 112 is shownin FIG. 8C. This figure illustrates that the rare-earth magnet ispreferably inserted into the indentation 192 on the interior surface ofnon-slip member 112. An optional cover piece 804 preferably made of thesame material as non-slip member 112 can be placed on theinterior-facing side of the rare-earth magnet 802 to provide a bufferbetween the magnet and the handheld electronic device within protectionsystem 100.

FIGS. 9A-C illustrate one embodiment of the different components ofmounting member 108. As shown in FIG. 9A, interlocking member 902 has aplurality of engaging members 912 located preferably at 90 degreeintervals around the circumference of the interlocking member 902. Thissurface of interlocking member 902 may also display a logo or otherinformation.

The connecting surface of interlocking member 902 is shown in FIG. 9B.Interlocking member 902 is attached to at least one mounting base 904,shown in FIG. 9C, preferably via a screw 906 (FIG. 6) received within aboss 920 of the interlocking member 902. However, other means ofattachment may be used to connect the interlocking member 902 to atleast one mounting base 904. Preferably, the interlocking member 902 andthe mounting base 904 include complementary interference features thatlocate the interlocking member 902 and mounting base 904 relative to oneanother in a rotational direction and inhibit or prevent the relativerotation of the interlocking member 902 and the mounting base 904. Inthe illustrated arrangement, the interference features include aprojection 922 and a recess 924, which are generally rectangular inshape but could be other suitable shapes, as well. The projection 922 ispositioned on the interlocking member 902 and the recess 924 is locatedon the mounting base 904; however, these positions could be reversed.The projection 922 and recess 924 locate the interlocking member 902such that the engaging members or tabs 912 are located in a desirableposition relative to corresponding projections or feet 926 on thesurface of the mounting base 904 that faces the interlocking member 902.The feet 926 are circumferentially offset from the tabs 912 and contactthe tabs 162 of the upper shell piece 102 to provide a stop surface tothe rotation of the upper shell piece 102 at a properly aligned positionrelative to the mounting member 108 when assembled thereto. Theillustrated arrangement includes the same number of feet 926 as tabs912; however, a lesser number of feet 926 could also be used. Thecircumferential dimension of the feet 926 can be configured such thatthe feet 926 contact an edge of the access opening 166 to provide someamount of resistance to rotation of the upper shell piece 102 in adirecting tending to remove the upper shell piece 102 from the mountingmember 108 thereby inhibiting unintentional disconnection of the uppershell piece 102 from the mounting member 108. If desired, active lockscould also be provided to prevent unintentional disconnection of theupper shell piece 102 from the mounting member 108.

FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of an assembled mounting member 108preferably comprised of two mounting bases 904 and an interlockingmember 902. In other embodiments, mounting member 108 may be furthercomprised of additional mounting bases 904 or a spacer, not shown,between the mounting bases.

The side of interlocking member 902 shown in FIGS. 9A and 10 is insertedinto the attachment region 106 formed by interlocking surfaces 116 and126 by aligning the tabs or engaging members 912 of interlocking member902 with the access openings 166 in the attachment region 106, as seenin FIG. 2. Preferably rotating or twisting mounting member 108 in aclockwise direction results in the tabs or engaging members 912 ofinterlocking member 902 rotating behind or inside of interlockingsurface 126 until further rotational movement is stopped by interactionwith interlocking surface 116. This rotational movement of interlockingmember 902 results in the rigid yet removable attachment of mountingmember 108 to protection system 100. Similarly, rotation or twisting ofinterlocking member 902 in the opposite direction allows for removal ofmounting member 108.

Attachment or detachment of protection system 100 from the mountingmember 108 occurs either through rotation of mounting member 108(resulting in rotation of interlocking member 902) or through rotationof the handheld electronic device within the protection system 100, aswhen the mounting member 108 is securely attached to another surface.

With reference to FIG. 11, one accessory that may be used withprotection system 100 includes a bike mount 1100. The illustrated bikemount 1100 may be mounted on or as a replacement of the top cap of abicycle steering stem arrangement, preferably using screw 1120. Inparticular, the bike mount piece 1110 preferably replaces the top cap ofa standard bicycle steering headset system and rests on the uppersurface of the front fork steerer tube or steering stem spacer. As isknown, the top cap is utilized to adjust a preload of the bearings inthe bicycle steering headset system. Once the steering stem is clampedto the steerer tube, the top cap is no longer providing any function.The present bike mount 1100 can replace the standard top cap.Preferably, the mount piece 1110 is adjustable (e.g., rotatable) withrespect to the bike mount attachment piece 1130. In particular, in theillustrated arrangement, the bike mount attachment piece 1130 includesan arm portion 1115 that extends from the mount piece 1110. The armportion 1115 is rotatably coupled to the mount piece 1110 by a pivotassembly. The bike mount attachment piece 1130 may attach to the uppershell piece 102 using the interlocking mounting arrangement discussedabove.

Although this application discloses certain preferred embodiments andexamples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that thepresent inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodimentsto other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention andobvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Further, the variousfeatures of these inventions can be used alone, or in combination withother features of these inventions other than as expressly describedabove. While the disclosed embodiments are primarily directed to aprotection system for a handheld electronic device, aspects of theinvention may be used in connection with other types of protectionsystems. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventionsherein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosedembodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fairreading of the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mountable case system for a handheld electronicdevice, comprising: a case configured to be selectively connectable toan associated handheld electronic device and retain the electronicdevice within an interior space of the case, the case comprising a rearportion that is positioned along a rear surface of the electronic deviceand a side portion extending from the rear portion and surrounding anentire periphery of the electronic device; wherein the rear portion ofthe case comprises an attachment region defining an opening having aperiphery, wherein the periphery of the opening defines at least a firstcase tab, a second case tab, a third case tab and a fourth case tab,wherein each of the case tabs are separated by one of a plurality ofaccess spaces; a mount comprising an interlocking member comprising afirst mount tab, a second mount tab, a third mount tab and a fourthmount tab; wherein, in use, the mount tabs are passed through arespective one of the access spaces and wherein, upon relative rotationbetween the case and the mount to an interlocking position, the mounttabs engage the case tabs to removably interlock the case with themount.
 2. The case system of claim 1, wherein the mount is a bike mountthat, in use, is mounted to a component of a bicycle.
 3. The case systemof claim 2, wherein the bike mount is configured to position the caseabove a steering stem of the bicycle.
 4. The case system of claim 1,wherein a circumferential length of the access spaces are less than acircumferential length of the case tabs.
 5. The case system of claim 1,further comprising an interlocking surface associated with each of thecase tabs, the interlocking surfaces configured contact a respective oneof the mount tabs to limit the relative rotation of the case and themount.
 6. The case system of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises anadhesive layer that permits the mount to be secured to a surface viaadhesion.
 7. The case system of claim 2, wherein the bike mountcomprises a cap portion that, in use, is secured to a steerer tube ofthe bicycle.
 8. The case system of claim 7, further comprising an armportion that extends between the cap portion and the at least one mountinterlock surface, wherein the arm portion is rotatably adjustablerelative to the cap portion.
 9. The case system of claim 1, wherein theopening passes completely through the rear wall portion of the case tothe receiving space.
 10. The case system of claim 5, wherein theinterlocking surfaces are defined by a rib that extends at leastpartially around the opening.
 11. The case system of claim 10, whereinthe rib extends completely around the opening.
 12. The case system ofclaim 1, wherein the case can be assembled to the mount in at least twodifferent relative positions that are perpendicular to one another. 13.The case system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the rear wall portionthat defines the opening is planar.